Antique Majolica Cream Berry Plate

$72.00

Quantity

In the Victorian era, the richly glazed and textured earthenware known as majolica flourished among the upper crust and middle class alike. With its whimsical and often pastoral designs alongside extravagant color palettes and fine detailing, majolica was the height of fashion in Victorian homes.

The love affair with majolica continues even today and with this delightful Majolica Cream Berry Plate, it's easy to see why! Manufactured in France by the venerable H. Boulenger & Cie of Choisy-le-Roi, this adorable plate features sweetly painted, ripe, red strawberries with blushing pink blossoms and spring green leaves.

With its sweet details, charming aesthetic, and soft, pretty hues, this treasure calls to mind precious childhood summers exploring the woods and picking wild strawberries. As you can see, it's easy to get carried away by the imaginative romanticism with a majolica piece like this. We hope you agree!

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In good antique condition with light crazing and small areas of discoloration as well as a small chip on the rim as shown in the alternate images. D: 8.5".

Learn more about H. Boulenger & Cie

Founded in 1804 in the southeastern Parisian suburb of Choisy-le-Roi, H. Boulenger & Cie took its name from one of its owners, Hippolyte Boulenger. It was under his direction that the company developed an international reputation and exhibited at the great world's fairs.

In 1889, Hippolyte opened a boutique in Paris, selling their beautiful faience and majolica to an appreciative public. Shortly thereafter, Hippolyte was succeeded by his two sons and in 1920, the firm bought the competing ceramic house, Manufacture de Montereau, becoming Hippolyte Boulanger-Creil-Montereau. The Choisy factory was eventually shuttered in 1934, and the Montereau factory closed its doors in 1955.

Learn More About Majolica

First appearing in 1851 at the Great Exhibition in London, Majolica refers to the richly colored and imaginative pottery that boomed during the Victorian era. By the time it was exhibited at the 1855 Paris World's Fair, it had taken Europe and the Americas by storm, even gaining the approval of Queen Victoria herself!

While Majolica took on many whimsical and outlandish forms during its time in vogue, most designs were based on plant and animal motifs whose bright colors and textures brought a certain lighthearted charm to the rich but often dark and heavy Victorian decor. The nature-inspired designs were particularly popular among the urban-dwelling middle class, as Majolica was an affordable way to create an impressive decor and bring pastoral beauty into the home.